To and Fro (Anton Clifford-Motopi, A&U Children’s)
To and Fro by debut author Anton Clifford-Motopi is a heartfelt and humorous exploration of the complexities of growing up mixed-race in Australia. This delightful offering for readers aged 8–12 tells an engaging story that seamlessly weaves in discussions of race and identity—a welcome addition to the Australian middle-grade landscape, which has a dearth of directly comparable stories. The novel follows 12-year-old Sam, who grapples with questions about his identity when his black father, whom he’s never met, suddenly visits Australia. Clifford-Motopi skilfully portrays Sam’s inner turmoil as he wonders whether he’s a white kid with a black dad, a black kid with white skin, or something in between. One of the book’s strengths lies in its diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique backgrounds and personalities. Through these characters and Sam’s journey of self-discovery—‘I watched as my father was added to our family tree and felt a space for him open inside me’—readers can gain valuable insights into the complexities of race in a way that is accessible and relatable. Clifford-Motopi also portrays parent-child relationships authentically, as Sam’s interactions with his white mother and black father are genuine and add depth to the family dynamics. What truly sets To and Fro apart is its ability to tackle serious topics with humour and wit, and it filled the book with many laugh-out-loud moments. As Sam navigates school projects and Multicultural Queensland Month, readers will find themselves rooting for him and perhaps pondering their own sense of identity.
Read our interview with author Anton Clifford-Motopi about To and Fro here.
Books+Publishing reviewer: Nominated for Bookseller of the Year (2023), Emma Pei Yin is also a freelance writer and reviewer. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.
Books+Publishing pre-publication reviews are supported by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.
Category: Reviews
